Learn about the latest trends in sports nutrition that help athletes achieve high results, including personalized nutrition, vegetarian diets, bioactive supplements, and other modern approaches.

Sports nutrition plays a crucial role in achieving high results. Modern athletes increasingly pay attention to the latest approaches and trends that help them achieve maximum results. In this article, we will look at what new dietary trends and discoveries in sports nutrition contribute to improving athletes’ performance.

Follow 777 livescore and see that sports nutrition affects athletes’ results; you don’t even have to know football, tennis, or basketball prediction to understand who will win if you see athletes’ conditions, and sports nutrition is key.

Personalized nutrition

One of the main trends is food personalization. It empowers athletes by tailoring their nutrition based on genetic tests, blood tests, and other biomarkers. This approach optimizes the ratio of macro- and microelements, enhancing endurance and overall efficiency, and putting athletes in control of their performance.

Vegetarian and vegan diets

Vegetarian and vegan diets are gaining popularity among athletes. Research confirms that well-formulated plant-based diets can provide adequate protein and other essential nutrients. The success stories of renowned athletes like tennis player Novak Djokovic and runner Carl Lewis, who have achieved high results on such diets, inspire confidence in this nutritional approach.

Bioactive additives

The modern market offers a wide range of bioactive supplements that promote productivity. These include probiotics, prebiotics, omega-3 fatty acids and others. They improve the work of the gastrointestinal tract, support the immune system and promote faster recovery after training.

Intermittent fasting

Intermittent fasting is a diet that involves alternating periods of eating and fasting. There are many different intermittent fasting protocols, but some of the most popular include the 16/8 method (16 hours of fasting, 8 hours of eating) and the 5:2 method (5 days of normal eating, 2 days of calorie restriction). Research shows intermittent fasting can have several health benefits, including improved metabolism, reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, and enhanced cognitive function. However, it’s important to note that intermittent fasting may not be suitable for everyone, especially athletes with high energy demands, and it’s crucial to consult with a nutritionist or dietitian before adopting this diet.

Technologies in nutrition

Technology is a game-changer in sports nutrition. A plethora of apps and gadgets are available to track calories, nutrients, and water balance. These tools provide athletes with accurate data,reassuring them about the effectiveness of their nutritional strategies and helping them achieve optimal results.

Natural products

The use of natural products as energy sources is growing in popularity. Athletes are increasingly choosing natural smoothies, energy bars made from natural ingredients like nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, and other products that contain a minimum of processed components. These products provide a stable energy level due to their balanced combination of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, and minimize the risk of allergic reactions compared to heavily processed energy bars. For example, a natural smoothie might include a mix of fruits, vegetables, and a source of protein like Greek yogurt or a plant-based protein powder.

Beyond Macros: Top Trends in Sports Nutrition Fueling Peak Performance

Modern sports nutrition is dynamically developing, offering new approaches and technologies to improve athletes’ performance. Personalized nutrition, vegetarian diets, bioactive supplements, intermittent fasting, technology, and natural products are becoming prominent trends that help athletes reach new heights. However, it’s essential to consider individual needs and consult with specialists to choose the optimal nutrition strategy. We encourage you to reach out to a nutritionist or dietitian to discuss these trends and determine the best approach for your individual needs.

Earlier this year, African football took centre stage with the Africa Cup of Nations. That particular contest was won by hosts Ivory Coast, who defeated Nigeria in the final thanks to second-half strikes from Franck Kessie and Sebastian Haller. Now, however, our continent has to take a back seat as Europe and UEFA Euro 2024 take the limelight. So far, there have been goals aplenty in Germany this summer, particularly from the hosts, who demolished Scotland 5-1 in the opening game, before brushing aside Hungary in their second game by two goals to nil.

But while the Super Eagles may not be in action this summer, plenty of players with Nigerian ancestry certainly are. Here are three players with Nigerian roots who could play a starring role at Euro 2024 this summer.

Image source

Bukayo Saka

Over the last four years, Bukayo Saka has developed into one of the best wingers on the planet. The talented young star’s rise from Arsenal’s academy to becoming one of the Three Lions’ most promising talents has been nothing short of spectacular. Despite being just 22 years of age, he already has 226 senior appearances under his belt, as well as a further 35 international caps.

Born in London, to Nigerian parents, Saka has always embraced his heritage. However, now is the time to put the country of his birth first, and he will be aiming to lead the English to a first major trophy in 58 years in Germany this summer. Gareth Southgate’s side was originally made the favourites by websites that allow you to place a soccer bet online, but they have since drifted out to +450 third favourites, behind France and Germany. That comes following back-to-back lacklustre displays against Serbia and Denmark.

At Euro 2024, Saka will again be a key player for Gareth Southgate’s squad. He shot to prominence in the previous edition of the tournament by forcing his way into the first team, ahead of Jadon Sancho and Jack Grealish, but he made headlines for all the wrong reasons despite his stellar displays. It was his crucial penalty that was saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma that ensured that it was Italy that won the tournament at England’s expense, and this summer, Saka will be on the hunt for redemption

Eberechi Eze

Eberechi Eze’s journey from the lower leagues of English football to the Premier League is an inspirational story. Like Saka, he was born in London to Nigerian parents, but his journey to the top has been far different to the one enjoyed by his Three Lions teammate. While Saka has been able to enjoy the luxuries of Arsenal’s state-of-the-art facilities from a young age, Eze bounced around four youth academies in the Big Smoke – with one of them being the Gunners – before finally getting a chance with Queens Park Rangers.

After an impressive loan spell at Wycombe Wanderers, the 25-year-old managed to force his way into the first team at Loftus Road and proceeded to set the world alight, securing a £15m move to Crystal Palace in the summer of 2020. Since moving to Selhurst Park, he has gone on to form a devastating partnership with French winger Michael Olse, and their wizardry throughout the 2023/24 season caught the eye of England boss Gareth Southgate, who promptly brought Eze into the national team.

His playmaking abilities are reminiscent of some of the greatest number 10s in football history. His vision and ability to pick out a pass, combined with his goal-scoring capabilities, make him a dual threat. For England, Eze could be the creative spark that the team desperately needs to unlock stubborn defences at Euro 2024 – something they have struggled to do at the tournament thus far.

Manuel Akanji

While Manuel Akanji represents Switzerland, he could have chosen to represent the Super Eagles through his Nigerian father. Instead, he opted for the country of both his and his mother’s birth, and the Swiss have been lucky to have the giant central defender in their ranks. His imposing physique, combined with excellent ball-playing abilities, have seen him shine in perhaps the best team in Europe at present, Manchester City.

His talent has been on full display at Euro 2024 already. The former Borussia Dortmund man is the linchpin of Switzerland’s defence. His leadership at the back, coupled with his ability to initiate attacks from deep, will be critical for the Swiss as they look to advance far in the tournament. Akanji secured the Man of the Match award following the 1-1 draw against Scotland in their second group game, and with four points from their first two games, they have already secured their spot in the second round.

How far the Swiss go at the tournament remains to be seen, but one thing that is for certain is that they won’t be conceding too many goals with Akanji in defence. They will be hoping that catapults them towards the latter stages of Euro 2024.

Celebrated South African coach Pitso Mosimane has explained why top teams in Europe don’t fancy players from South Africa like that of Nigeria despite their talent, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

South Africa have been having a very good run in the world cup qualifiers, following up on their impressive display at the AFCON where they finished as second runners up to clinch the bronze, their best ever finish since 1998 when they went all the way to the final before losing 0-2 to Egypt.

Despite that there is still a scarcity of interest in their player from top teams in Europe, which Pitso one of Africa’s most respected and accomplished coach tried to explain in an interview with a radio station in South Africa.

“It is a concern for me; I was banking on Lyle Foster and now look what happened, I was banking on Percy in the Premier League, the same way Pienaar, Benni McCarthy, and Shaun Bartlett represented us, but we don’t have anybody now and it’s not nice,” the 59-year-old told Radio2000.

“We need to have the right product and the right players. Did you hear what John Barnes said about South African players? He said that we have players but we don’t easily have the right type of player for the English Premier League but West Africa has that type of player for the Premier League,” Mosimane continued.

“Watch the Nigeria team play South Africa, where is that flair or whatever? But those guys are playing for AC Milan and Napoli. Why is that?

“It’s because you must have the right product for the right market. Maybe we have the right product for the Kasi flavour which is good.

“I don’t think there’s anybody who can beat us if there was a football tournament about that. We have the technique and skills but if you want the product to play at the World Cup maybe it’s [Evidence] Makgopa. Maybe he’s that kind of a player,” he concluded.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

The rant by Victor Osimhen in reaction to a report that head coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Finidi George questioned his commitment has been narrowed down to a lack of leaders in the team who could call the Napoli man to order, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Osimhen did a live video on his page on Instagram calling out the coach over the report. He was backed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) who made it known that no punishment would be visited on the Napoli man.

According to Brown Ideye who was a part of the 2013 AFCON winning side, the 25 year old could afford to do that because of the weak leadership in the team at the moment, he said the present captain William Troost-Ekong doesn’t have what it takes to call Osimhen to order.

Speaking in an X-space conversation organised by The Naija Football Conference. The 2013 AFCON winner said, “A leader has to be someone who has been in that team for years and years. In the present Super Eagles we don’t have those players like Enyeama and Yobo anymore.

“Who do you want to give a leader, Ekong? It’s not about having the captain’s armband. Can Ekong sit Osimhen, Chukwueze, Lookman down and speak to them? No.

“I don’t see Osimhen sitting down with Ekong and hear everything he has to say without saying something back.”

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

The search for a new coach for the senior national team of Nigeria will reach a whole new height at the end of this month, OwnGoalNigeria.comunderstands.

Already the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has received applications from around 15 coaches who are interested in filling the vacuum created by the exit of Finidi George, who quit his role after a little over a month in charge of the team.

Finidi who led the team for their world cup qualifiers games against South Africa and Benin Republic respectively, where they were held to a 1-1 draw and suffered a 1-2 defeat left his role ,after the NFF made it clear that they will be bringing in an expatriate coach to head the team.

His successor is likely to be a foreign coach, but some indigenous coaches are also in the mix and one of them is Samson Siasia who will be returning from a coaching ban in September, the month the team is expected to be back in action.

” Siasia has been mentioned by some people here at the NFF but not as head coach I must say. There is a space for a Nigerian to assist whoever gets the nod as the head coach and don’t you think it will be best for Siasia to make his return that way?”, he asked.

Meanwhile the NFF has also dissociated itself from media reports making rounds about their interest in having decorated and celebrated French coach Herve Renard who is set to be free from his role as the coach of the women national team of France in September.

Renard is well respected on the African continent after leading Zambia and Cote d’Ivoire to the Africa Cup of Nations title in 2012 and 2015 respectively.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

Many out there saw the Finidi Vs Osimhen saga as just another player Vs coach disagreement that will fade away with time. To some, this is the perfect ocassion for the NFF to stamp their feet on indiscipline among National team players by coming down hard on Victor Osimhen.

This writer knows Victor Osimhen very well. I worked with him for close to two years as media officer of the Under-20 National team of Nigeria and I don’t really need anyone to tell me about his temperament. We ate together, traveled together and spent the nights gisting after dinner.

I really don’t need anyone to lecture me about his temperament, he is a warrior, fighter and above all, he is the most patriotic footballer I have ever seen or known. His passion in the green white green jersey is second to none. His hunger for success is unbelievable and he has got a big heart.

I remember that Under 20 Qualifier against Burundi in Bujumbura and the the victory against Sudan in Omdurman. On both ocassions, Osimhen rose to the ocassion even though he was nursing a knee injury and had to play in pains.

That tells you how passionate this young man is when dressed in Green White Green. So you will understand why he felt betrayed by comments allegedly made by coach Finidi George, describing him as unpatriotic.

Such comments will hurt any true patriot especially when you remember the sacrifices. Let’s not forget too that he claimed he called to inform the coach of his injury after visiting his doctor in Wolfsburg and also pleaded with the coach that he will like to be in camp to offer moral support to the boys at the detriment of his own comfort, which coach Finidi turned down

Nevertheless, there is always the need to apply caution and maintain a calm, cool and coordinated approach at all time especially when you find yourself in that position where many now see you as their role model, mentor or icon.

As current African footballer of the year, Osimhen ticks these boxes perfectly and has even a grown to be classified as an idol to so many young footballers on the continent.

In an attempt to unravel all the mystery surrounding that accusation purportedly made by Finidi that Osimhen and a few others pick the games that suits them and that majority of these players are not patriotic, this writer has taken time to dig deep to find out what transpired at that meeting that was held inside the conference room of the honourable Minister of Youth and sports.

Now, what you sre about to read below, are highpoint of the meeting as narrated by two persons who were privileged to be part of the meeting and have agreed to talk only on condition of anonymity.

*The Meeting That Matters*

The NFF delegation to that meeting held at the office of the Honourable sports minister, was led by NFF president, Ibrahim Gusau. Also on the entourage are the NFF 1st Vice president, Anyansi Agwu, General Secretary Sanusi Mohammed, team secretary and director of competitions Dayo Enebi with NFF technical director Augustine Eguaveon completing the list.

The Sports minister Senator John Enoh has invited the NFF and FInidi to come explain Nigeria’s dismal performances in those two World Cup qualifying games against South Africa and Benin Republic and profer solutions on the way forward. At some point during the deliberation, Super Eagles head coach, Finidi George was asked to speak and he poured out his mind,  without holding back.

*What did Finidi say*

According to my source, Finidi heaped the blames on his players. He was furious with the way the players responded to National call-ups which some of us complained about in the buildup to these matches. My source said Finidi then went on to assure the minister and his employers, the Nigeria football federation, that he has absolute confidence that the Super Eagles can still qualify for the World Cup if all hands are on deck.

He said, that he is surprised that a few players in the team have Godfathers in the NFF. According to him, if he tries to stamp his feet on certain behaviors in the team, some persons will remind him that the players in question, belong to either a board member or a top official of the NFF.

It was at this point that the NFF Technical director, Augustine Eguaveon cuts in and told Finidi, that to succeed as head coach, he needs to stamp his authority, be decisive and be brutal if need be. Eguaveon gave an example of how he banished Yakubu Aiyegbeni to the bench because the former Portsmouth striker who at the time was doing so well in the Premier league, thought he deserves an automatic jersey whenever he comes to camp.

Finidi then responded by saying he was going to change his approach henceforth. He said he will no longer tolerate these unpatriotic players in the National team. This was when he now said a player like Osimhen could have taken the risk and come play for Nigeria if he really wants to do so. This is according to my sources.

However, I am not sure that Finidi made this comment to indict Osimhen. As at the time he dropped that line, he was trying so hard to keep his job and make his employers see him as a man that can wield the big stick when it really matters. He was also just looking for a name to use to balance his thoughts and anger and Osimhen unfortunately, became the scapegoat.

At that meeting, the NFF didn’t tell Finidi in the presence of the Sports minister that they had plans to engage a foreign technical adviser. However, he might have offended the gods by revealing during that meeting with the minister that some top guns in the federation, are Godfathers to players of in the Super Eagles and that explains why they are seen as the untouchables.

Little wonder, a decision was taken behind him, to employ a foreign technical adviser and demote the former Enyimba of Aba head coach to assistant coach. Immediately Finidi got wind of this plan, he quickly tendered his letter of resignation.

Infact, his first letter that was sent to the NFF, was not signed so he was asked to withdraw and sign before sending it again.

*How did Osimhen get to know about what Finidi said or did not say?*

It will also interest you all to know, that, there are top officials of Nigeria football that are on the payroll of Nigeria footballers. I know of a footballer that once gave an administrator in the previous board a wrist watch worth over €40,000. I am also aware that every Super Eagles team list comes with a price.

Before a Super Eagles team list is released, there are lots of interests at stake and most players, except the esterblished names like Osimhen, Lookman, Nwabali and a few others, come to the Super Eagles camp, armed with gifts for their Godfathers.

That is why these Godfathers will do anything to please the players in return. There are also those secretatiate staff that have their ears to the ground and push out these information daily to curry favours. So it baffles me, why anyone will be surprised that Osimhen got inside information of what transpired at the meeting. He is too connected and too rich to be left in the dark.

Now that it is established based on available facts that Finidi alleged that Osimhen and a few others are not 100% patriotic to the national cause, it is on that bases we will now judge that Instagram live video posted by Osimhen and pass a judgement thereafter.

*Osimhen has no reason to go live the way he did and his choice of words on the day are not acceptable*

Victor Osimhen is a Superstar of repute. The current African footballer of the year, a Nigerian player that is now idolized in Naples. I remember in one of my recent interviews with him in Abidjan, during the recent AFCON, I saw a few diehard fans who had traveled all the way from Naples to Coted’viore, just to support the best footballer after Diego Amando Maradona to have played for the club.

Putting all these into consideration, Victor Osimhen should know the weight of whatever comments he makes. He must learn to talk at all time to impress his fans and promote his brand no matter his frustrations, obsessions or irritations.

Secondly, for his personality, class and position, he shouldn’t be the one speaking always, he should delegate these responsibilities especially reactions to sensitive issues like this one, to his manager, agents or trusted friends. Your choice of words also matters.

In all, Osimhen by that singular act, has demoted himself from that exalted seat of an icon in the hearts of his diehard fans. Attacking your coach the way you did and generalizing the attack to include Nigeria and Nigerians is demeaning to say the least. As a friend who cares and appreciate the talent in you, I am making this passionate appeal to you. Please go out there and do an apology to coach Finidi and everyone that is effected by your comments and rudeness. Say it for the sake of posterity.

Trust me, I wouldn’t have bothered to do this if I don’t care about your present and your future. A stitch in time, saves nine.

Adewale Ajayi writes in from Canada.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) begin the search for a new coach for the senior national team of Nigeria following the exit of Finidi George, a whole lot is expected to happen later this week.

A statement from the NFF said they will be looking for an expatriate coach to lead the team in the next round of international games in September, and so far coaches have filed in their application for the post.

Finidi quit his post as coach after a disappointing performance in the world cup qualifiers, where they were held to a 1-1 draw against South Africa before losing 1-2 to Benin Republic.

Speaking to OwnGoalNigeria.com the agent of Domenec Torrent who applied for the job before it was given to Finidi said they were shocked when the NFF made a U-Turn on their decision to hand his client the job.

” It was a funny turnaround. I got a call from one of the men at the NFF that my client should be getting set for the role, and even instructed him to study games of the Super Eagles during the friendly games in Morocco”, he told OwnGoalNigeria.com.

” After the games against Ghana and Mali respectively. My calls went unanswered. I tried to know what is going on but to no avail and few weeks later someone (Finidi ) else was announced as the coach. It’s why my client won’t be reapplying for the role now that it is vacant”, he stated.

Torrent holds the record of the longest serving assistant to Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola and he has also worked as head coach of Turkish side Galatasaray , MLS side York City and Brazilian side Flamengo.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

In a bid to boost the fading hope of the senior national team of Nigeria qualifying for the 2026 world cup, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has called for all hands to be on deck, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Super Eagles are 5th in their group four points behind the leaders Rwanda after the recent results in the qualifiers, where they were held to a 1-1 draw by South Africa before losing 1-2 to Benin Republic. The results led to the departure of Finidi George as head coach.

A new coach for the team is expected to be named next month, but already the coach has been given guidelines he will need to follow if he is to succeed as coach of the team with players selection top of the agenda.

” It was stated in the communique that we (NFF) released. The new coach will scout for the best players eligible to play for Nigeria regardless of where they are born. There are no preferences as this is not the time to show favouritism”, a chieftain of the NFF said.

The idea of calling players from the NPFL to make the league gets visibility is no longer going to be the case. We need points to be at the next world cup and only the best legs can give us that and sadly I don’t think they are in the NPFL”, he stated.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

The former coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Jose Peseiro isn’t interested in returning as coach of the team following the exit of Finidi George, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Peseiro led the team to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations where they were beaten 1-2 by the host Cote d’Ivoire. It was their best run since winning the trophy in 2013, he however left following the expiration of his contract in February.

His assistant Finidi George was appointed as the substantive coach of the team after a two game spell as caretaker coach. He left his role few weeks ago in the wake of an announcement by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) that they will be hiring an expatriate coach for the team.

The NFF made the decision after the team’s poor showing in the world cup qualifiers, where they drew 1-1 with South Africa before losing 1-2 to Benin Republic in Cote d’Ivoire. It means they are now 5th in their group.

Some reports has it that there are moves to bring back the Portuguese coach, but we exclusively gathered that he has made it clear that he is not interested in returning to his post owing to several factors.

One of the factors includes what the poor relationship he endured with some top men at the NFF who tried to impose players on him. He also felt he was disrespected a lot to times by the president of the football body Ibrahim Musa Gusau.

The coach would have continued in his role after meeting the target of reaching the semi final of the AFCON but the above mentioned reasons tops why he turned down the extension, and not the fact that he was to be paid the same salary like he earned at the AFCON.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

Fresh from his collaboration with the French Embassy for a scouting program, where set of jerseys, balls and boots were donated, Nigeria international winger Moses Simon has hit the headlines again, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Simon who finances Simoiben football academy owned by his wife brought scouts from France to Kaduna state two weeks ago for a scouting program. A total of six players were picked and in the coming days they will be knowing their fate.

Kaduna based Simon visited Benue state where he hails from, he met with the paramount ruler of his tribe the Ochi’Idoma, His Royal Majesty, Agaba-Idu, Dr John Elaigwu Odogbo for royal blessings.

He followed it up with a donation to the state football association led by Barrister Paul Edeh. He gave 200 balls and 8 sets of jerseys as his support to the project of the development of grassroot football in the state.

Now back in France to complete his rehabilitation from the injury that saw him missed the final three months of the season, Simon who sustained the injury while on international duty with Nigeria is hoping to be fit for the start of the season.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman